Chapter 301: I Was Here

With the long war over, the crew revels for days beside Shandians and Skypieans. Once all are asleep, Luffy whispers Nami awake to scheme about grabbing every scrap of gold and bolting, her eager reaction soon dragging Usopp, Chopper, and the others into a shouting brawl, Zoro alone sleeping straight through it. By morning, word reaches the Shandian Chieftain that the Golden Belfry Bell has turned up snagged on Giant Jack, and crews assemble along the shore to haul it free. Robin, hearing this, is delighted that the Shandora poneglyph is at last within her grasp.

While Usopp cons dials out of the Skypieans with wild tales about his rubber-band missile, Luffy's group drags treasure out of the snake Nola. The bell comes up bearing a poneglyph at its foot that no Shandian can decipher. Before the chief can say why reading it no longer matters, Robin recites its inscription about history's keepers dwelling alongside the great bell's tone. She then translates mention of an old weapon called Poseidon, brushing it aside as yet another god-named arm like Pluton. A further line jolts her, an account of arriving, locating the text, and obeying its direction, signed Gol D. Roger. Gan Fall recalls Roger passing through twenty years prior, and Robin works out that the Pirate King had already read the stones in their proper order.

A second poneglyph turns up for Robin, Poseidon gets named as an Ancient Weapon for the very first time, and Usopp barters his way into a pile of dials. The chapter reveals Roger reached Skypiea and could read the poneglyph script. Realizing their ancestors' wishes are met, the Shandia Chief crumbles, knowing his people need fight no longer. Gan Fall remarks how Luffy mirrors Roger and is startled they share the initial D. The Shandia offer a snapped golden pillar as thanks, yet the Straw Hats sprint off, taking the approaching crowd for hunters. Brought to the screen in Episode 194.